NZW doe- breeding problems.

[Autumnarcher]

I have a 1 1/2 yr old doe I got back in May. She was preg when I got her. Big NZW doe, kindled 8, lost 2 on May 24th. She did great with the kits, and I kept her largest doe for another breeder. I planned to breed her again after weaning the kits at 5 weeks, but it got miserably hot here from late June through July, so I waited. I bred her in August, waited and no kits. Rebred her again, although in both instances she wasnt very receptive. She wa due to kindle Oct 3rd. We were gone for a day or two, my sone stopped by to feed/water but never checked the nest. Wife came home, found a single dead kit with an open wound. I suspect she may have eaten the kits, but not sure as there was no mess or bloddy anytthing in the nest.

Shes normally a very calm doe, so Im not sure what happened. How long should I wait to rebreed? If she doesnt produce a litter after the 3rd attempt, Im thinkin shes gotta go.
She weighs in around 11 lbs. Not sure what to think at this point, she did great with the first litter she had since Ive owned her. She had 1 previous litter. I really would like to get another doe from her, as her kits grow so fast. 5#plus at 10 weeks.

 

[fogcity]

Rebreed her as soon as possible. If she has another dead litter and you want to give her another shot, breed her the next day. They are very receptive right after giving birth. However if she had another dead litter I would probably cull her unless she has value to you beyond being a producer. Is it possible that a raccoon,dog, cat, snake, or other animal could have gotten around the cage when she kindled last time and scared her?

 

[Miss M]

Fogcity's right, rebreed her as soon as you can, as this would be when she should be most receptive.

I also agree that you might want to give her two more kicks at the can, since you weren't here when she kindled that last litter, and goodness knows what happened.